1971 PLYMOUTH GTX HEMI, Butterscotch

Some of the most remarkable muscle cars were ordered and owned by military servicemen, either before they left for the war in Viet Nam or shortly after returning. Larry Dickson, a highly decorated Army soldier was looking to secure himself such a reward upon completing his tours. In February, 1972 Larry found this GTX on the trade-in lot of Courtesy Chrysler Plymouth just outside Sacramento, California. There she was, standing century, gleaming in Bahama Yellow, a 1971 GTX HEMI 4 speed. A quick survey of the factory options was enough for Larry to relieve it of its guard duties. Festooned with every conceivable accessory including a sunroof, this HEMI powered Plymouth reminded him of the hardware he so proudly shown on his dress uniform. The original sticker price was a whopping $6,592.75, $300 more than a '71 Cadillac Coupe DeVille.

Just as Dickson had been no ordinary soldier, this was no ordinary muscle car. This GTX is unique in this group on multiple levels. It is a Hemi GTX, which is rare in its own right, but it is also the most highly optioned GTX ever produced and the most expensive Hemi vehicle ever produced. Larry traded in his 1970 Road Runner, paid $4,800 to become the car's second owner. Larry immediately set to personalizing the already fully optioned GTX, installing 12.5:1 pistons, Crane cam, headers, and other “Day Two” mods popular in the day.

Dickson got the rewarding homecoming all returning combat veterans deserve, which he carefully maintained and cared for until the day he parked it for good. She sits now as a testament to the warrior and survivor that Dickson was. This GTX is also a survivor, meaning that it is still in its original finish without restoration. The vintage “Day Two” modifications remain on the car, just the way Dickson personalized it shortly after purchase in 1972.


FACTS:

• 1 of 11 1971 Plymouth GTX 4 speed Hemi’s
• 1 of 32 1971 Plymouth GTX’s produced with a sunroof
• Sticker price $6,592.75, $300 more than a '71 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
• Highest Optioned 426 Hemi powered vehicle ever produced
• Most expensive 426 Hemi powered vehicle ever produced
• Unrestored, original survivor